Grassmarket Community Project
Edinburgh

Having worked with Greyfriars Kirk since 2004 on various projects Hoskins Architects were asked to extend the existing Kirkhouse in the Old Town of Edinburgh. The successful programmes of wood-work, cookery and art classes run by the Kirk for the homeless community had outgrown their original venue and, in addition, a lettable community hall was requested to provide a vital income stream to fund the social enterprise activities.

The tight site adjacent to the Category A listed Kirkyard was formerly occupied by three derelict industrial warehouses. The aim is to contribute a strong contemporary addition to the World Heritage Site through a building of exceptional architectural merit. Larger double height volumes benefitting from toplight are located next to the 8m high Kirkyard wall with smaller more cellular spaces located around the perimeter. A sedum roof gives the impression of an extension to the Kirkyard, punctured by the monolithic rooflights which are wrapped in the same metal cladding as the perimeter walls.